Asparagus with Pine Nuts Recipe ๐ฟ
Overview:
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of fresh asparagus combined with the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts in this delightful recipe. Bursting with healthy goodness and ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. Whether you’re craving something light and satisfying or looking to impress your guests with a flavorful vegetable side, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | fresh asparagus |
| 2 | pine nuts |
| 1/4 | cup olive oil |
| 1 | fresh lemon juice |
| 1 | garlic clove |
| 1/4 | teaspoon sugar |
| 1/2 | teaspoon dried oregano |
| 2 | fresh basil leaves |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Asparagus:
- Start by trimming the tough ends off the fresh asparagus spears.
- Next, cook them in a small amount of boiling water until they reach a tender-crisp texture, which usually takes about 4 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the asparagus and immediately plunge them into ice water for a few minutes. This helps them retain their vibrant green color and stops the cooking process.
- After chilling, drain the asparagus well and cut them into 2-inch lengths. Set them aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.
-
-
Toast Pine Nuts:
- In a small frypan over medium heat, add the pine nuts.
- Toast them until they are evenly browned, shaking the pan frequently to prevent burning. This process enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
- Once toasted to perfection, remove the pine nuts from the pan and allow them to cool while you prepare the dressing.
-
Prepare Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. The combination of tangy lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil will elevate the flavors of the dish to new heights.
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Combine and Serve:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the cooled asparagus, ensuring that each spear is evenly coated.
- Allow the asparagus to marinate in the dressing for about 30 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the dressed asparagus, adding a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to every bite.
- Serve the asparagus with pine nuts as a vibrant and nutritious side dish alongside your favorite main course, or enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 170.5
- Fat Content: 16.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 2.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 2.3g
- Protein Content: 2.8g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your personal preferences and dietary requirements.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed asparagus just before serving.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently before serving to enjoy the flavors at their best.
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this asparagus with pine nuts recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this dish, and savor each delightful bite!
